Home Multi-Gyms Fitness Equipment Review
Weight or strength training equipment is becoming more popular. Whether it is for reasons of weight loss, rehabilitation, injury prevention, better sports performance or heath concerns such as building bone density or preventing osteoporosis, more and more people are incorporating strength training into their fitness programs.A successful strength training program involves choosing the "right" home fitness equipment for your needs and knowing how to use it properly. The safest and most practical way to strength train is with a "home gym" which offers convenience features not found in free weight equipment.
Choosing the best home gym equipment that meets your requirements can be a bit of daunting task. Start by considering your fitness goals and those of other family members who will be using the equipment. One person may want to lose weight while a growing teenager might want to build strength for playing other sports. Keep in mind that planned usage may change, so do not "underbuy". Choose a multi-gym with a wide range of settings so you don't outgrow it.
Decide where the equipment will be located in your home. Note the area available - height, width and length - and be sure that the unit you are considering will fit the space you have available.
Ensure that the gym is easy to use, easy to make adjustments and one that you can move through stations comfortably.
If you are able to visit a specialty store to check out different models, be sure to check out how the different machines "fit" your body (ergonomics) and how "smooth" the equipment feels as you perform a variety of exercises. Generally speaking, you will get what you pay for.
There are three types of resistance systems on home gyms:
1. Weight Stacks - uses a stack of metal plates lifted by a cable/pulley system Inserting a pin will determine how many plates are lifted and thus how much weight is engaged. These units are often the bulkiest, non-portable, and more complicated to assemble. They are sturdy, feel natural, and it is easy to adjust for varying the weight desired.
2. Hydraulic pistons - fluid in cylinders is forced from one chamber to another. Resistance is adjusted using valves or by changing the position at which the piston is attached to levers. No negative resistance on the return portion of movement.
3. Flexible rods and rubber bands - bowed rods or thick rubber bands are attached to the frame and to the cable you are manipulating. Lightweight, portable, but may feel unnatural.
Classification:
Strength training
Body Areas Utilized:
All major muscle groups (chest, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and legs)
Points to consider:
- ergonomics - does it fit users of different sizes and allow a full range of motion in proper body positioning?
- easy to set up for different exercises - can therefore do "circuit training" where you quickly move from one exercise to the next thereby gaining an element of aerobic training
- easily adjusted for the proper alignment - minimizes risk of injury; more effective workout;
- assembly - larger, heavier units can be challenging to put together
- portability - the weight stack units are not portable. If you will need to be able to easily move or store your home gym, your choices will be more limited.
- polyurethane, molded pads on press arms; high quality means pads won't smell or crack over time
- look for oil impregnated brass bearings at the major pivot points where wear occurs
- constructed of 11 gauge steel, 2" to 3" diameter powder coated paint finish will repel sweat and corrosion,
- stability and strength (also durability) increased with more, rather than fewer, welds
- quiet smooth cable motion; nylon pulleys and test cables of at least 1500 lbs.;
- accessories add versatility and increase the usefulness of your home gym. What are included and what can later be added?
- extensive warranty - lifetime on the frame; at least 3 years on cables and upholstery; (extended warranty not necessary)
- instructional video and/or clear wall chart
Models to check out:
Body Solid EXM4000 Home Gym- a "best buy" in home gyms
Bandflex Home Gyms - lightweight, portable, compact, economical, popular